August 20, 2008
by sjvn01
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While many Linux users hated the idea of the Microsoft/Novell partnership from the start, Ian Bruce, director of Novell public relations, says that “Customers drove” the latest expansion of the Novell/Microsoft deal.
In the latest chapter, Microsoft and Novell announced on August 20th that Microsoft had committed to purchase up to $100 million in SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server) support certificates Essentially, once more Microsoft will be selling Novell Linux to its customers again. .
August 20, 2008
by sjvn01
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Vista has been, to be kind, a flop. For several months now, Microsoft has been hinting that the next version of Windows, Windows 7, will be the answer. I’m beginning to wonder, though, if Windows 7 will be little more than Vista rehashed.
Microsoft is no longer being coy about the fact that they’re working on a replacement for the wretched Vista. It used to be that the Ballmer would just say things like “Vista is a work in progress.” Now, Microsoft has admitted to having over 2,000 people working on Windows 7. Sounds to me like they’re serious about it.
In addition, Microsoft has launched its Windows 7 blog and has started telling people about what’s what with Seven. What’s even more interesting is that WSUS (Windows Software Update Services) users found a Windows 7 Client option on their patching servers on August 20.
August 19, 2008
by sjvn01
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Digital Gadgets, the manufacturer and distributor of SYLVANIA brand computers, announced on August 19th that its shipping the SYLVANIA g netbook MESO with Ubuntu 8.04 Netbook Remix inside.
Ubuntu 8.04 Netbook Remix is based on standard Ubuntu. In addition it include a ‘Launcher’ that allows users to get on-line more quickly and have faster access to their favorite PC-based and online applications.
August 19, 2008
by sjvn01
2 Comments
Gizmodo is reporting that they’ve laid their hands on the specifications sheets for Dell’s forthcoming Inspiron 910. While I haven’t seen these documents myself, what Gizmodo reports is pretty much what my sources at Dell have been telling to expect from their UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC).
In short, the approximately two-pound Insprion 910 will run both Ubuntu Linux 8.04 and Windows XP Home SP2. It’s worth noting that Ubuntu Linux is actually friendlier with Windows-based business networks than XP Home, which is limited to peer-to-peer networking. So, if you’re thinking about using the Inspiron 910 for office use, you’ll actually want to use Ubuntu.
August 19, 2008
by sjvn01
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Running virtual machines is easy. It’s managing and securing them that’s the problem, according to both users and analysts. Check Point Software Technologies thinks it has an answer: the VPN-1 VE (Virtual Edition).
The VPN-1 VE is a VMware-certified virtual application, which is designed to secure VMware virtual servers and applications by making them act as if they were on separate physical servers. While Check Point claims that it’s the “first company to provide unified security management for both physical networks and virtual applications,” the concept is used by other vendors in the still new field of virtualization security. For example, Apani’s EpiForce VM takes a similar approach.
Check Point’s VPN-1 VE will, however, integrate with pre-existing Check Point security infrastructure. This should result with in a significant management saving since administrators will be able to run both virtual and the more usual server and network security tasks from one interface.
August 19, 2008
by sjvn01
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Just when you thought it was safe to look in your in-box again, a new wave of malware spam has arrived. Lucky us.
This morning I found my Gmail spam box stuffed with “BREAKING NEWS” purporting to be from MSNBC. Headlines have range from the semi-plausible: “McCain Plans Vietnam Campaign Tour;” to the unlikely, “Nation Morns the Tragic Loss of Britney Spears;” to the utterly unbelievable: “Paris Hilton Lectures on Dickens and Dostoevsky.” For more, much more, you can see a listing of spam subjects used to date on the MSNBC.com Spam page.
If this sounds familiar, it should. In early August, a flood of similar spam messages poured out. These pretended to be from CNN and also had over-the-top headlines with links to bogus sites. Once there, you’d get a message telling you that you had to upgrade your Adobe Flash Player. If you’d had gone that far your only choice was to either download the “Flash Player,” which was actually one of several malware packages or quit your browser.
This is a replay of the same malicious spam game. As a Linux user, it doesn’t do anything to me except fill up my inbox with junk. For naïve Windows users, though, it’s a real threat.